When mighty roast beef was the Englishman's food
It ennobl'd our veins and enriched our blood
Our soldiers were brave and our courtiers were
good
Oh! The roast beef of Old England, and Old
English roast beef.

But since we have learned from all vapouring
France
To eat their ragouts, as well as to dance.
We are fed up with nothing but vain complaisance
Oh! The roast beef of Old England, and Old
English roast beef.

Our fathers, of old, were robust, stout and
strong
And kept open house, with good cheer all day
long.
Which made their plump tenants rejoice in this
song
Oh! The roast beef of Old England, and Old
English roast beef.

But now we are dwindled, to what shall I name
A sneaking poor race, half begotten and tame
Who sully those honours that once shone in fame
Oh! The roast beef of Old England, and Old
English roast beef.

When good Queen Elizabeth sat on the throne
E'er coffee and tea and such slip-slops were
known
The world was in terror if e'er she did frown.
Oh! The roast beef of Old England, and Old
English roast beef.

In those days, if fleets did presume on the main
They seldom, or never, return'd back again
As witness, the vaunting Armada of Spain.
Oh! The roast beef of Old England, and Old
English roast beef.

Oh! Then we had stomachs to eat, and to fight
And when wrongs were a-cooking to do ourselves
right
But now we're a... I could, but goodnight.
Oh! The roast beef of Old England, and Old
English roast beef.